Fall River, New Bedford residents arrested on firearm and alcohol charges

FALL RIVER — Two individuals were arrested on firearm and alcohol-related charges following a disturbance near a vehicle on Friday.

According to New Bedford Police, Officer Matthew Costa, patrolling the north-end sector, responded to a report of several people arguing on Downey Street. While speaking with the driver, 29-year-old Caroline Rivera-Lopez of New Bedford, and other vehicle occupants, Costa noted inconsistent statements and suspicious behavior. He observed signs of alcohol consumption, erratic actions by an unidentified male, and movement inside the vehicle. The male was later identified as 24-year-old Gilberto Torres Garcia of Fall River, who had six active warrants from New Bedford District Court.

During the interaction, Costa spotted a firearm in the passenger-side door pocket. A vehicle search uncovered a loaded revolver, two knives, and open alcohol containers. None of the individuals had a license to carry a firearm.

Rivera-Lopez and Torres Garcia were arrested and charged with possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, improper firearm storage, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and failure to wear a seatbelt.

According to court records, at Monday’s arraignment, Torres Garcia pled not guilty and was held without bail on dangerousness with a pretrial hearing scheduled for July 14th.

Anyone with information can contact the police anonymously at 508-99-CRIME or submit a tip online.